This is an illustration based on the animated film “Coco” for Pixar as part of their artist spotlight!
Awhile back I was approached to illustrate a Pixar character who is inspiring to me.
I am so immensely grateful for this opportunity to share a part of myself and my family history.

💬 “I come from a very family-oriented culture. My family sustains a deep connection with loved ones who have passed and we believe that to keep someone in our memories is an act of love. Coco is one of my favorites movies because I am able to relate with Miguel's struggles of wanting to connect with a loved one who is no longer here and uses music as a way to fill in that gap. I have never met my grandfather and yet, I feel deep love and a huge amount of respect for him.

I only know him through stories that my father and grandmother have shared with me. I heard he was an extremely multi-talented musician, band leader, composer, teacher, and conductor. In my hometown, everyone called him Maestro. His musical prowess was something that my father inherited. And as for myself, as someone who has been greatly influenced by my own father's expansive taste and knowledge in music, I feel as if I also carry a part of my grandfather with me. Although I still find myself often wishing I met my grandfather, I am grateful that I am able to see glimpses of him through my father and I through our shared love and appreciation of music.”